DAVID BOWIE DISCOGRAPHY REVIEW #7 - Glam pt.3: Winding Down

After a run as huge as his last 3 albums, Bowie deserved somewhat of a break, and having his 1984 adaption ambitions put on hold, he set out to make an album purely comprised of covers. This album is not as bad as its reputation suggests, I think the comparison to his potential does this primarily-for-fun album a disservice.

It's fine, nothing really stands out, but its listenable and a good time nonetheless. A light ... read more

DAVID BOWIE DISCOGRAPHY REVIEW #6 - Glam pt.2: Ziggy Goes to America

"Who will love Aladdin Sane?"

With the death of Ziggy, someone had to take up his mantle. On tour in the states, Aladdin Sane was born. Much more of a grower than its predecessor, it feels like a more developed version of "Ziggy". It contains some incredible cuts and generally feels better put together than most of what came before it in his discography.

A strong vision feels set out and executed here, ... read more

DAVID BOWIE DISCOGRAPHY REVIEW #5 - Glam pt.1: You're Not Alone

"He'd like to come and meet us, but he thinks he'd blow our minds"

No one could have anticipated that just five short years after his questionable debut, David Bowie would create one of the best albums of all time. Sure, his trajectory was promising, but this level of maturity and progress was groundbreaking. However, as quickly as David rose to fame, he would rid himself of it. It was Ziggy Stardust that ... read more

DAVID BOWIE DISCOGRAPHY REVIEW #4 - Beginnings pt.4: Ch-ch-changes

"Is there life on Mars?"

Never one to stagnate, Bowie marches into a more piano fueled, art rock angle, and it becomes his first of many classics. The 3 heavy hitters are amongst the best songs ever recorded for me, they remind me of summers in my grandmothers garden, all else drowned by the sun as a carefree child, unable to make out what the adults are saying.

The rest of the album maintains the pace, never a ... read more

DAVID BOWIE DISCOGRAPHY REVIEW #3 - Beginnings pt.3: Rockstar

"For I realised that God's a young man too"

A very cohesive rock album, just a great bunch of tracks. It does lack a little in originality and therefore memorability, often blending with what others were doing at the time, but Bowie was a chameleon in this sense his whole career, and it often pays of with brilliant takes on genres and movements. This is no different, even if its influences are worn more on the sleeve ... read more

DAVID BOWIE DISCOGRAPHY REVIEW #2 - Beginnings pt.2: Redux

"This is ground Control to Major Tom"

Trailing out from the embarrassment of his first self-titled, Bowie himself knew a reattempt was required. The seminal track "Space Oddity" propelled him into the limelight, demonstrating that he was not to be waved off as a mere novelty act.

The charm his debut album attempted to foster is executed far better here, with some seriously impressive song writing and lyricism in ... read more

DAVID BOWIE DISCOGRAPHY REVIEW #1 - Beginnings pt.1: Shaky Start

It's high time to journey through the best to ever do it's catalogue once more, documenting the process.

There is a harrowing world out there where Bowie continued with this style. This is essentially a boring at best, genuinely creepy at worst, collection of nursery rhymes. A slight hint of nostalgia prevents this being rated even lower, it's a laughably bad first footing for one of the best Pop artists of all ... read more

"You wanna go to mars and then what? Then what?"

Kim is in her early 70s making this, which is such an admirable feat. I agree with the overall criticism of her voice and cadence not fitting the beats presented here, but I love her voice nonetheless. I think a few of these tracks could've been worked on a little more or cut completely, some seem unnecessary. Her stream of consciousness style does work more favourably than not here, even if some of the lines are fairly ... read more

First full experience with Mr Blake, immediately I'm hearing Bon Iver and Frank Ocean. It's very soothing and surprisingly simple. Production is great, definitely feels like the star of the album. My biggest gripe is how formulaic it is, not a lot deviates from typical ballad structure. His voice is undeniably gorgeous, it just doesn't strike any chords in me.

The lyricism is lacking, which makes for an uninteresting listen at times when the vocals take the forefront. If the ... read more

I can admire the musicianship on display, I just cannot get behind the theatrical cadence :( Didn't feel much for this at all other than mild annoyance at points, not for me overall, but do recommend to those more partial to eccentric music.

Favourites: N/A
Least favourites: the red apple, set me free

"Three bullets left honey, I got your six"

Great crop of outtakes that function well independent of the album, but could've easily been slotted in. I do see why they were cut, they occasionally encroach on aspects I feel were already performed well on the album. The pitched vocal Winter occasionally attempts here doesn't really do it for me. An excellent companion piece despite these minor issues though.

Favourites: Jesse, Space Race
Least favourites: N/A

"We slept right through"

I cannot articulate why I love this so much. The perfect balance between airy and lush, so delicate and sure of itself, with an entirely unique identity. A wave of mystery consumes this, in turn consuming me.

Favourites: Reliable Effects, Illusory, Violet
Least favourites: N/A

"Come back here, come back here"

Extremely underrated dark ambient EP from last year, such a compelling atmosphere. Really stuck with me, I feel very much a part of the sound, it strikes parts of me I didn't know I had. There is so much desperation.

Favourites: Drywall, Piss V, You Pathetic Pig
Least favourites: N/A

A phenomenally relaxing (occasionally chilling) collection, serving as a prelude to "Perverts". I love this a lot, and was so glad to see so much of it reused in Ethels 2025 projects. Some of these cuts are just lesser version of developed "Perverts" tracks, which dampens the experience, but I love selecting various tracks to fit a mood. Unfiltered artistry.

Favourites: 000, 002, 005, 007, 010, 014
Least favourites: 006, 013

"Astray, midway of mortal life, witness to such agony"

My personal favourite Ethel Cain project. This thing is tremendously intimate, swaying between discomfort and sensuality in a way that profoundly rewires you. I adore every track here, but do find myself revisiting "Psychoticwomn" and "Pulldrone" less due to how potent and draining they are on my mental state. So rewarding as an experience, so crushing and powerful in the most minimalist and pure ... read more

"Pretty boy, scared of the rain, by God"

Some cuts here rival that of the best in "Preachers Daughter". I was hesitant listening to this album, as the singles, controversially, didn't catch my attention too much. "Fuck Me Eyes" in particular had me worried as I didn't really like it much at all, feeling as if it was a rehash of "American Teenager" in ways.

However, the rest of the tracks here are stellar. The instrumentals especially are ... read more

"These crosses all over my body, remind me of who I used to be"

Debut albums shouldn't sound like this. A beautifully interesting, moving and immacutely produced concept album. I adore the darker toned tracks and the more sprawling instrumentals that Ethel conjures, but even the more traditional Americana elements are executed so well that I'm still drawn in completely. I can't see any universe where I don't give this a 100, even if it isn't even my personal ... read more

As far as cover albums go, this is pretty damn good. It trails off nearer the end, but it starts very strong, and the Ethel Cain track is unbelievably gorgeous (probably a near 100 on its own). An overall great effort that almost breaks free from the curse of the medium.

Favourites: The Summer Ends, For Sure, You Know I Should
Least favourites: Stay Home, Wurlitzer

"You should be ashamed, you should be shame's only daughter"

Such a unique and brilliant sounding album, I love that you truly can't predict what Geese will sound like next. I feel here they've truly broken out of their influences and come into their own. I think this is the better album experience, but I love 3D country's messier angle too much to rank it higher.

Favourites: Trinidad, Cobra, Long Island City
Least favourites: N/A

"I was Cassidy's gun and she was his daughter"

Just keeps growing and growing on you, so dynamic and energetic, packed with so many different inflections, its difficult to believe they're all Winter. The instruments and blend of genre gel together create something addictive and filled with little things to notice on relistens. No one is quite doing it like these guys.

Favourites: 2122, 3D Country, I See Myself
Least favourites: N/A